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What is L-Theanine?

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally and is recognized for its numerous benefits to both physical and mental functions. One key contributor to these benefits is L-theanine.
L-theanine is an amino acid predominantly found in the green tea plant, though it is also present in other plants used in tea production. Discovered in 1949 within green tea, L-theanine has since been identified in various other teas, including black tea and Moringa.
Chemically, L-theanine bears similarities to glutamate in structure and produces various effects on the body and brain. For instance, it is known to inhibit glutamate reuptake and increase levels of GABA, dopamine, and glycine in the brain.
Your intake of L-theanine will depend on the type of tea you consume. Standard green tea contains about 5 mg of L-theanine per cup, while matcha and black tea offer approximately 46 mg per cup.

Why Use L-Theanine?

Mental health disorders are prevalent, affecting around 12% of individuals at some point in their lives. These disorders can include anxiety, mood disorders, impulse control issues, and substance abuse.
Many treatment options for mental health disorders involve medication, such as Xanax, Valium, and Zoloft, commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression. However, these medications can come with challenging side effects and the potential for addiction.
This is where L-theanine can be beneficial.

Benefits of L-Theanine

Research from Pennsylvania State University highlights several advantages of L-theanine for those struggling with anxiety or stress-related issues. Some benefits include:
  • Balanced sleep and wake cycles
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Enhanced feelings of calmness
  • Lowered mental and physical stress
  • Improved cognition and mood
Electroencephalography (EEG) studies have indicated that L-theanine can promote alpha wave activity in the brain during deep relaxation, which may enhance cognitive functions such as imagination, visualization, memory, and learning.
While L-theanine offers various benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects. For instance, there are concerns that it may interact with high blood pressure medications, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low.
There is also evidence suggesting L-theanine may help with various psychiatric disorders and mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. A study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that L-theanine can enhance activity in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in both short- and long-term memory, and it has shown anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.
Additionally, research published in Acta Neuropsychiatrica found that L-theanine administration is safe and associated with several positive effects on depressive symptoms.

Alpha Waves

As previously mentioned, L-theanine can stimulate alpha waves in the brain. Alpha brain waves are one of the four primary brainwave patterns: alpha, beta, delta, and theta. The alpha rhythm is a prominent EEG wave pattern observed in adults who are awake yet relaxed.
L-theanine, an amino acid, may influence various aspects of human brain function. Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies provide evidence that it directly affects the brain, increasing activity in the alpha frequency band. This indicates enhanced relaxation without causing drowsiness. Furthermore, alpha wave activity in the brain is critical for essential attention processes.

Other Benefits

The benefits of L-theanine extend beyond alleviating anxiety and depressive symptoms. While further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in addressing various physical and mental health issues, existing evidence suggests that it may offer several notable advantages.
Some of these benefits include lower cancer rates, better blood pressure regulation, and improved immune function. One study indicated that L-theanine found in certain mushrooms can have a “synergistic effect” on the anti-tumor activities of specific chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, other research suggests that L-theanine, when taken as a supplement, may positively impact learning abilities, immune response, and even cancer suppression.

Dangers of Psychiatric Medications

While L-theanine can be beneficial in treating certain psychiatric and mental health issues, its primary advantage is that it allows patients to avoid potentially dangerous and addictive medications, which can sometimes lead to life-threatening consequences.
Patients are often prescribed various medications for conditions like depression and anxiety. The most common class of these medications is benzodiazepines, with Xanax and Klonopin being among the most widely prescribed.

Xanax

Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, is used to assist individuals suffering from anxiety and related conditions such as insomnia and panic disorders. Xanax enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain, helping to alleviate tension, anxiety, and panic by slowing down nerve cell activity.
Although Xanax can provide relief for certain anxiety disorder symptoms, it is often used alongside behavioral therapy to enhance treatment effectiveness.
However, Xanax can lead to various side effects, and users should be aware of several precautions. Common symptoms associated with Xanax use include drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, poor coordination, nausea, headaches, and more.
Xanax use also carries risks of addiction and overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, deaths involving overdoses from benzodiazepines like Xanax quadrupled between 2002 and 2015.
In addition to the risk of overdose, some patients may develop addiction issues. While not everyone who takes Xanax will become dependent, it is relatively common for users to develop a tolerance to the drug. This physical dependence can lead to the need for increasingly larger doses to achieve the desired effects, thereby raising the likelihood of overdose.

Klonopin

Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam, a benzodiazepine prescribed to treat various anxiety-related disorders, including panic disorder and insomnia. Like other benzodiazepines, Klonopin acts as a central nervous system depressant, helping to slow down nervous system activity.
When used appropriately, Klonopin can assist patients in managing their symptoms. However, it is associated with several common side effects, such as:
  • Body aches and pain
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Sleepiness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure
  • Difficulty breathing, among others
Similar to Xanax, Klonopin use can lead to abuse, dependence, and addiction.
Unfortunately, addiction to Xanax and Klonopin is a frequent occurrence among individuals prescribed these medications. Addiction, whether to alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances, can have devastating consequences and even lead to death.
While L-theanine may offer a potential solution that avoids addiction risks, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

Next Steps

If you or a loved one is grappling with substance abuse issues related to alcohol or drugs, it’s crucial to address these challenges seriously, as they can be life-threatening. Sunrise Recovery is a drug and alcohol treatment center in Indiana that can equip individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary for achieving long-term sobriety.
To learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab program, please visit our website and contact our admissions team today.

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